This project used a science-based, experimental approach to develop treatment and restoration strategies for the emerging invasive grass, Brachypodium distachyon (Brachypodium), on conserved lands in southern San Diego County, CA. Phase I (2013-2015) included conceptual models to inform experimentally-based treatment and restoration strategies; experimental treatments (dethatching, herbicide, mechanical removal), monitoring, and seed collection, bulking, and outplanting. Treatments continued in Phase II (2016-2017), using the most effective management strategy (herbicide). See the Phase I and II reports for study results and Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Brachypodium control. Herbicide is the most effective treatment for controlling Brachypodium but timing of treatment is critical and multiple treatments may be required in a single year, depending on rainfall and temperature. Herbicide treatment of forbs becomes increasingly important as cover of Brachypodium and other nonnative grasses decrease. Dethatching improves treatment effectiveness and stimulates the soil seedbank (if present). The experimental design was coordinated with SDMMP and the City of San Diego, and results may contribute to a regional analysis of Brachypodium control across multiple sites, habitats, and microclimates.
Dehesa nolina, false brome, San Diego thorn-mint, Variegated dudleya
Patricia Gordon-Reedy
Conservation Biology Institute
Sarah McCutcheon
Annabelle Bernabe
Patricia Gordon-Reedy
The project used a habitat assessment protocol to delineate Brachypodium-infested habitat. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) developed the protocol; TNC and CBI modified the protocol for use in the South County grasslands project. The habitat assessment protocol collects qualitative information on biotic, abiotic, and management variables to determine both ecological suitability an management feasibility for restoration purposes.
Goal: The overarching goals for addressing invasive plant species in the MSPA are to: (1) Protect Conserved Lands from new or expanding invasive plant species; (2) Detect new invasive species and new invasions early on and control them before the plants have a chance to establish; (3) Address invasive species using the response appropriate for the level of invasiveness (level 1 through 5) as defined in the Invasive Plant Strategic Plan (IPSP)
Management units: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
From 2017-2021, remove Level 4 and 5 invasive species that are threatening MSP species as specified in the Invasive Plant Strategic Plan.
Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
---|---|---|---|
IMP-1 | Remove Level 4 and 5 species that are threatening significant occurrences of MSP species on Conserved Lands | Available for implementation | Brachypodium Control, North County Dunes Restoration |
Criteria | Deadline year |
---|---|
Project reports submitted within 1 Year of Removal Efforts | 2021 |
Threat Name | Threat Code |
---|---|
Invasive plants | INVPLA |
File name | Lead Author | Year | Type |
---|---|---|---|
Appendices - Brachypodium Control: Experimental Treatments to Control Brachypodium, An Adaptive Approach for Conserving Endemic Species | Conservation Biology Institute | 2014 | other |
Brachypodium Control - Phase I Report | Conservation Biology Institute | 2014 | report |
Brachypodium Control - Phase II report | Conservation Biology Institute | 2017 | report |
Brachypodium Control: Experimental Treatments to Control Brachypodium, An Adaptive Approach for Conserving Endemic Species | Conservation Biology Institute | 2014 | report |